Missing Things

Many times, we are confronted, even ridiculed, by those who would draw us into the “great and spacious building” that Lehi saw in his dream. The place where, they tell us, all of the good things of the earth can be found. Sometimes, perhaps, we even find ourselves yearning for those things.


Evaluating our priorities in mortality comes hard. Introspection is difficult. Self-examination is sometimes hurtful. We love the good things of this earth, so how do we reconcile the pleasurable things of mortality with the truly good things of eternity? And how do we know when and which to choose? Are we in fact, missing the good things of this earth because of our devotion to the Lord and the gospel?

We must eat. Is there anything wrong with having a wonderful meal in a fine restaurant? We must have some form of transportation. Is it wrong then, to drive a Mercedes? We must have a roof over our heads. Is it wrong to enjoy a beautiful home, and a swimming pool? We must have exercise, after all. We must relax and shed the cares of the world from time to time, so is it wrong to vacation for two weeks on a cruise in the Mediterranean Sea? We must clothe our bodies. Is it wrong then, to wear an expensive suit? We must have employment to support ourselves and our families. How hard and long should we work as we pursue these things for ourselves? Where is the line? When do we cross it? Perhaps the key can be found in a statement from President Joseph F. Smith:

We may make evil of all amusements, but the Saints should not be unwise, but rather understand what the will of the Lord is, and practice moderation in all things. They should avoid excesses …In this way their conduct will be reasonable and becoming, and they shall find no trouble in understanding the will of the Lord.

We remember the story of the rich young man as recorded in Mark 10: 17-31, when a young man came running to the Savior and asked Him a question that most of us struggle with: “Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Apparently the young man recognized the Savior as one who might be able to answer his question and was urgently seeking Him.

The Savior answered him: “Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.”

The young man answered him: “Master, all these have I observed from my youth.”

The Scriptures tell us: “Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. The young man went away grieved: for he had great possessions.”

Jesus loved him. Isn’t that what we all seek? To be loved of the Lord?

The trouble was not that he had great possessions, but that he went away, both figuratively and literally. The Savior did not tell him to go away. He could have stayed and followed the Savior until he was ready to meet the Savior’s unique challenge to him. The Savior never tells us to “go away.” But if He did require such a commitment from us, how would we react? D&C 121:34-35 offers some measure of resolution:

Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men…

Jesus then said: “How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!”

The Savior’s declaration startled his disciples: “And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? "

The Savior then promised great rewards for those who follow Him.

So we choose whether or not to follow the Savior. We choose whether or not we are chosen. The young man chose his wealth over the opportunity to continue to follow the Savior. He went away grieving. He left the Savior. The Savior did not leave him. He never leaves any of us. We choose.

If we juxtapose three scriptures, there is some further enlightenment to be found:

Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people… (Isaiah 34:1) Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 John 2:15) But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called… (1 Timothy 6:10-12).

Elder A. Theodore Tuttle, in the December 1971, Ensign, p. 90, said:

Here is instruction to straighten out our values. . . . Have we sought 'so much' for material things while missing, even ignoring, the things of God?

The Lord has placed the good things of this earth here for our pleasure and enjoyment. If we put them in the proper perspective, we need not miss anything with which the Lord blesses us. I think that 2 Nephi 9:30 clears up any misconception about the relationship of the treasures of the earth to those of eternity:

But wo unto the rich, who are rich as to the things of the world. For because they are rich they despise the poor, and they persecute the meek, and their hearts are upon their treasures; wherefore, their treasure is their god. And behold, their treasure shall perish with them also.

So in my mind, the answer to this question is this: When we let the love of earthly things overtake our love of the things of eternity, “we do err.” When we “follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness and fight the good fight of faith,” so that we may “lay hold on eternal life,” we are not in danger of condemnation as we enjoy the good things of this earth, always in moderation – missing nothing of real value.